RELATED: 14 Totally Free Dates to Bring You Closer Together Women aren't the only ones who want to feel like they're not wasting their time in a relationship.

Feeling connected with you in a way that he isn't with anyone else is important to guys, says De Angelis, so confess something nobody else knows. Do a little digging and learn about something he's super passionate about.

Sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in day-to-day conversation-starters, like "how was work? " Instead of the surface-level stuff, focus on opening up more during the time you have together for real, meaningful conversations that will add value (and even more love!

) into your lives — even if it's sometimes a little awkward.

You'll strengthen your in the long-run, too, according to a 2011 study.

Friends or partners who regularly express their gratitude are more comfortable talking openly with one another about relationship concerns.

It in both him and your relationship, she adds, because you're making yourself vulnerable. He'll appreciate that you're taking an interest in a topic that's important to him, and it can certainly fuel conversations.

Holding hands when you walk down the street or playing footsie on the couch are reassuring actions and can remind him that you love and appreciate his body, says De Angelis.

What would you rather receive from your guy: a weekend at the spa or a new set of pots? So when you're thinking about gifts, try thinking of something the two of you can enjoy together, like exploring a new-to-you city or watching a football team you both love.

Experiential gifts tend to have more meaning behind them, and they're more sought-after: A survey from the National Retail Federation shows that 50 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds say they would like to receive a gift that actually has you out doing something. Whether it's out of the blue or totally expected, at the end of the day, he'll just be stoked to get out of the house with you.

Just like you need reassurance every once in a while, so does he.

So next time you're noticing how sexy his forearms look while he's slicing up veggies, tell him.

Don't feel guilty about all that time you spent getting caught up on , "fictional social worlds" — like the one dreamed up by your favorite showrunner — "can also bring relationship partners closer together," the authors write.